Afobe named in DR Congo squad

London-born Benik Afobe has been given his first DR Congo call-up, turning down the chance to represent England.

The former Arsenal man admitted that if he was to lack opportunities with the Three Lions senior squad, then he would consider representing the birth-place of his parents.

Afobe has scored five goals in 11 appearances for AFC Bournemouth, since joining the club for £10 million in January, from Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers. And now he is in line for his first taste of senior international football.

DR Congo are set to face Angola in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier later this month, and Afobe will link up with fellow Premier League stars Chancel Mbemba, Youssouf Mulumbu, Dieumerci Mbokani and Yannick Bolasie.

Afobe has previously won the Victory Shield with England’s under-16s, and represented the Under-21s.

DR Congo play the first tie at home on 26 March, before heading to Lubango three days later, currently third in Group B, following victory over Madagascar and a shock defeat to the Central African Republic.